PHNOM PENH, June 2 -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni flew to Beijing, the capital of China, on Thursday morning for a three-day state visit to further enhance long-standing relations and cooperation between the two countries.

At the Phnom Penh international airport, the king was seen off by Senate President Samdech Say Chhum, National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin, and Chinese Embassy officials as well as other dignitaries.

In a royal message to the compatriots, Sihamoni, 63, said that his visit was made at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"During my absence, Samdech Say Chhum, president of the Senate, will assume the title of the acting head of state of the Kingdom of Cambodia," he said.